Another massive victory

Although the Australian Championship had already been decided in favour of Hugh Stodart's
Asko Appliances team, Race 6 was still very critical as it was the final race of the selection series to decide Australia's team for the JJ Giltinan Championship, starting on Sydney Harbour on 18 February.

Stodart, Niall Kinch and Paul Schulz showed why they were the champions when they blitzed the fleet with a brilliant performance in a light south east breeze which tested the skills and tried the patience of all crews.

Asko took victory by a massive 4 mins 52 secs from defending champion Michael Coxon and
Casio Seapathfinder with John Harris'
Rag & Famish Hotel a further 24 secs back in third place.

Asko finished with a total of 6 points, followed by
Rag & Famish on 12 and
Casio on 14.
Club Marine was 4th on 17, followed by
Ssangyong Yandoo fifth on 35 and
AAPT sixth on 37.

Asko led the fleet from the start and held a narrow lead at the windward mark. The lead was extended to 30secs after the long downwind leg and increased marginally more on the second windward leg.

The breeze lightened and at times was almost non existant on the run from Double Bay to Chowder Bay where
Asko's domination was spectacular as the lead went out to 1min 50secs. While
Asko was in control at the head of the fleet the racing for minor placings was intense.

Rag & Famish was still second but third place was being disputed by five boats.
Fisher & Paykel,
De Longhi,
Belle Property,
Active Air and
AAPT were tightly bunched with
Casio hot on their tails.

Although the race was just a little more than half distance over the result seemed in little doubt.

Over the final stages the breeze dropped again but there was never any doubt that
Asko would take their fourth win in the six race series.